Read Nahum 1:2-6.
Don't confuse God's intent with the effects of His actions. When God, in a self-controlled manner, releases a judgment or a remedial discomfort, people do suffer. That is the effect, but watching people suffer is not God's intent -- that is, if you believe "The Lord is good" (Nah. 1:7).
What is God's intent? That mankind should repent (2 Pet. 3:9)), that they would return to Him. God's taking pleasure in the negative effects of His intent is ruled out (Ezek. 18:23 - The question demands a "no" answer.). See also Ezek. 18:32.
Showing posts with label Nahum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nahum. Show all posts
Friday, August 18, 2017
Thursday, August 17, 2017
God -- "Jealous And Avenging"? (Nah. 1:3a)
Read Nahum 1:3.
When God introduces or describes Himself in the Old Testament, we're accustomed to this formula: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; Joel 2:13). How grateful we are for that!
Nahum includes this "softer side" (re: "slow to anger") but doesn't open with it. He opens (Nah. 1:2) with "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God." It is problematic that men get God all one-sided. They camp out at hyper-grace or extreme wrath. As revealed in Scripture, God is a perfect blend of opposites. Neither description cancels out or diminishes the other. Jesus was "full of grace and truth" (Jn. 1:14).
If you had to describe God to someone, what is the first adjective you would use? God is _____. What does that first descriptor say about you? What does it say about how you view God? Is your view of God balanced?
When God introduces or describes Himself in the Old Testament, we're accustomed to this formula: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 103:8; Joel 2:13). How grateful we are for that!
Nahum includes this "softer side" (re: "slow to anger") but doesn't open with it. He opens (Nah. 1:2) with "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God." It is problematic that men get God all one-sided. They camp out at hyper-grace or extreme wrath. As revealed in Scripture, God is a perfect blend of opposites. Neither description cancels out or diminishes the other. Jesus was "full of grace and truth" (Jn. 1:14).
If you had to describe God to someone, what is the first adjective you would use? God is _____. What does that first descriptor say about you? What does it say about how you view God? Is your view of God balanced?
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